Traverse City- Charles Newton Long, 86 of Traverse City passed away July 25, 2014 at Munson Hospice House.
Charles was born on April 5, 1928 in Thompsonville to the late Leo and Cleora (Somsel) Long.
On February 14, 1949, Charles married Ruth Donna Guinan who preceded Charles in death in 2007.
Charlie was a gifted automobile mechanic. He began his career in Grand Ledge at Bryant Ford . He later moved to Traverse City in 1956 and worked at Herb Joslin Chevrolet. Charlie also worked at his home garage in the evenings. Charlie became know around Traverse City as top notch mechanic and a" Tranny" expert. He worked at Tri-Gas Distributing as a fleet mechanic until his retirement.
Charlie was a kind, loving and gentle man. He was a true family man with most Sundays set aside for family time. He spoiled each of his children in their own special way, and absolutely doted on his grandchildren, and great grandchildren letting them know how much he loved them. Charlie taught his girls to be independent and self-sufficient, but was always there waiting if he was needed.
Charlie was a great outdoorsman. He looked forward opening day of any season, especially trout season and deer season. He enjoyed turkey season, and took his grandson where he bagged his first "gobbler". He had many great hunting trips, many of those trips with his three brothers. He hunted in Montana, South Dakota, and Idaho with fishing trips to Canada.
In addition to his parents and wife, Charlie was preceded in death by his daughter Laura Bradford; son-in-law Jon Bradford, sister Pauline Hazel and brother Leon "Skip" Long.
Charles is survived by his daughters Vicky Long of Thompsonville and Pamela (Terry) Yagle of Harrietta, grandchildren Venus Bradford, Mathew Merchat, Randy Merchant; great grandchildren Nathan, Alyssa, Lauryn and Shelbi; sister-in-law Ruth Long of Interlochen; brothers William "Bill" (Vonnie)Long of Sodus and Dale (Vonnie) Long of Traverse City.
Special Thanks to Cindy Acker of Cindy's Place for treating our father as her own and giving him wonderful care in her home, and the Hospice House for their loving care in the final days.
A memorial service led by Pastor Dan Ingersol will be held Friday, August 8, 2014 at 11 am with visitation one hour prior at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions in memory of Charles may be directed to Munson Hospice House.
Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family. The family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.